September 5, 2009
A regular ol brewpub in the middle of the tourist strip of Traverse City. Apparently it is quite busy during the summer, then traffic slows down during the off-season. Bartender seemed to know how to answer beer questions. At least two mug club members were there over their weekday lunch break.

July 18, 2009
I visited recently while on vacation with my wife. Clean place right in downtown. For as many tables as they have crammed together it wasn’t so loud. I think the decor is meant to make it look like a boat but it doesn’t quite pull it together. I had a burger which was about average for pub burgers. My personal opinion of the beers they brew is that they are being very conservative with their brewing to try to appeal to the mainstream tourists that wander through downtown. Their beer menu has the standard light colored-low on taste beer, an english bitter, a bland oatmeal stout, a standard summer wheat beer and some others I’m not remembering. The Penninsular Pale ale is a good representation of the American Pale Ale style and unfortunately the most interesting beer on the menu. I always hope for an IPA, porter, imperial stout or something with a bit more flavor from a craft brewery but I think they are successful by catering to the mainstream. If you want more interesting and tastier brews (but no food), try Right Brain a couple blocks away.

September 22, 2008
Located smack dab in the middle of Front Street, surround by shops and restaurants on both sides. The water is a short block away. The exterior is aged, giving this a nice feel on the strip. The inside follows that theme, but is almost old and outdated feeling. The menus look like they were created on a word processor program. The beers were very run of the mill, with nothing interesting being offered as way of seasonals. An Octoberfest is in the works, but wasn’t available when we visited. They were busy but the service was good. The beers were refreshing and drinkable, but nothing over the top. We tried the wings and they were a nice compliment to the beers. Nothing special, but stop in for a pint if you are meandering downtown.

November 3, 2007
Nice looking building from the outside but stale, almost outdated-looking on the inside. Tried the nut brown ale, which was nothing more than average. Very busy location and the service was just a tad above slow. Worth a peek if you’re in the neighbourhood but the better brewpub experience would be down the street at North Peak.

May 20, 2007
Corner of Front and Cass Streets with street parking in front and lot parking in back. Clean wooden older building with bar on left and tables on the right for food and beverages. Seven standard and two seasonals on tap. All were solid drinkable brews. Freindly bartender with good knowledge. Did not eat, but the menu of starters, salads, burgers, sandwiches, pastas and dinner entrees looked very good. Good location and I will stop again.